Entry-Level Firefighter Study Guide:

Firefighter Aptitude and

Character Test™ (FACT)

Candidate Orientation Guide

Reading Ability, Mathematical Reasoning, Map Reading,

Writing Ability, and Human Relations

Provided by Fire & Police Selection, Inc. (FPSI)

This guide is intended for a single use and has a 2019 Copyright License.

Reproducing, communicating or making photocopies of any of the material contained

herein is against FPSI policy and federal Copyright laws.

Copyright © 2019 Fire & Police Selection, Inc. 1 | P a g e

Overview

This Firefighter Aptitude and Character Test™ (FACT™) associated with this practice test for the

entry-level firefighter recruitment process consists of a variety of sub-tests designed to measure critical

constructs required for successful job performance as a firefighter. The components of this test have

been developed and validated by firefighters and Fire Captains who have experience performing the

essential functions of the firefighter job. Each construct measured by this test has been carefully linked

to a national job description and identified as a critical skill or ability necessary for performance of the

job.

The entry-level firefighter written test consists of two sections: a general aptitude test and a personal

characteristics section. The FACT™ consists of 110 multiple-choice test items. The FACT™ is

weighted: 45% aptitude measures and 55% character measures. This practice test is designed to prepare

you for both sections of the test. The constructs measured by the FACT™ include:

• Reading Ability (15 total test items)

• Mathematical Reasoning (15 total test items)

• Map Reading (10 total test items)

• Writing Ability (10 total test items)

• Personal Characteristics—to include: interpersonal skills, teamwork, commitment,

honesty, integrity, emotional stability (60 total test items)

Subject-matter experts in our validation workshops have endorsed every item on the test and have

confirmed that the reading level of the passages and the test items are appropriate based upon the

materials found on the job and in the academy.

How to Prepare for the Test All of the constructs measured by the e Firefighter Aptitude and Character Test™ are based upon

basic skills and abilities that a minimally qualified applicant should possess. There are a variety of

preparatory publications available that may be helpful to those candidates who could use a refresher

in basic reading, math skills, map reading, writing ability, and human relations skills. FPSI cannot

endorse any particular national publication in terms of preparing for this test that was not created by

FPSI.

Test Yourself for Success with the Firefighter Aptitude and Character Test™

Practice Test Items

Listed in the back of this practice test are sample questions from the five (5) constructs measured on

the FACT™ written test. These sample test items are very similar to the types of items found on the

actual test.


Prepare for Your Test Day

Be aware that on the day of the test administration your movements to certain areas of the building

where the test is being held might be restricted. Do not make absolute plans on where you want to sit or

which restroom you wish to use. Just familiarize yourself with the location and the facilities. You will

be instructed on the test day of any limitations on your movements during the test session.

Carefully read all of the instructions and directions you receive from the agency conducting the test and

follow them. Failure to follow the instructions may affect your score or even eliminate you from the

testing process.

The Day of the Test

Arrive early on the day of the test. Applicants who are late are often denied permission to take the test.

Wear comfortable clothing in layers so you can remove layers if the room becomes too warm or add

layers if there is air conditioning or a cold draft. This strategy will help you to be comfortable

throughout the exam. You can also use your sweater or jacket to cushion your seat in the test room if it

is too hard or uncomfortable. Even though you should dress comfortably, you should also keep in mind

that this test is part of the overall selection process.

When you are given the test instructions on the test day, you will be informed how much time you have

to answer the questions. Take your watch off and put it on the table in front of you where you can see

it. This will help you to keep track of your time and progress. You should be supplied with all materials

you need to respond on the test, including test answer forms, scratch paper, and pencils. Leave all of

your test preparation materials or notes outside of the testing area.

You may NOT refer to any other study materials during the test.

Once you begin to take the test, make sure you clearly mark your answers to each corresponding

question. If you skip any questions during the test, make sure you continue to put your answers next to

the correct answer number on the answer sheet. It is easy to put answers next to the wrong question

number on the answer sheet if you do not pay close attention. When you have reached the end of the

test, make certain to go back and check that you have answered ALL of the questions.

During the test, you will be instructed to choose the “best” or “most correct” alternative from

four to five different alternatives. Most applicants find it helpful to read the entire question and all of

the alternatives before choosing the best or most correct alternative. It is better to read all of the

alternatives as you may find one that is a better answer than the one you first thought was correct.

If you have time after you have answered all of the questions, go back and review your answers. You

may have recalled something later that may help you to correctly answer earlier questions.


DO NOT LEAVE ANY ANSWERS BLANK. You are scored on the number of correct answers you

give in response to the questions. In other words, you will be penalized for any answers left blank.

Even if you are not certain of a correct answer, you SHOULD GUESS at what the correct answer

might be. Try to eliminate alternatives that you know are wrong and guess from the ones that remain.

This will increase your chances of guessing the correct answer. Answers left blank will NOT be

counted towards the number of correct responses in your final score.

It is important to try to make a good impression throughout the entire testing process since command

level officers and administrators from the department that are administering this test sometimes visit

the test site on the day of the test. Horseplay and loud joking before or after the test may create a poor

impression of your ability to properly perform the job of a firefighter officer. You should also remain

quiet during the test unless you have permission to do otherwise from those who are administering

the test.

Dealing with Anxiety

The Firefighter Aptitude and Character Test™ is not a measure of your self-worth or your

intelligence. This is a test designed to measure your levels of reading ability, math skills, map reading

skills, writing skills, and human relation competencies. If you have performed poorly on other tests in

the past, that does not necessarily mean you will perform poorly on this test. Because, unlike many

other types of tests, the Firefighter Aptitude and Character Test™ was designed to measure a variety

of critical skills and abilities that are essential to successful firefighter job performance in a way that

does not overestimate the importance of cognitive skills and other constructs which, historically, result

in lower passing rates.

There are no trick questions on the test. Each and every question on the test can be answered based

upon basic skills and abilities you should have developed throughout your life.

We certainly wish you the best of luck with your endeavors to become an entry-level firefighter!


Sample Practice Test Items

Reading Section

For this section of the test, you will read a one-page passage containing fire-related material and

will then answer five (5) multiple-choice questions for each passage. All of the answers for these

questions are found in the corresponding reading passage. You are encouraged to read the fire

passage first and then answer the questions. You are allowed to refer back to the passage if needed.

Proceed to the next section when you are finished.


Physical Properties of Substances and Classifications

Questions 1-5

Physical Properties of Substances

Explosive Range

Explosive range is also known as flammable range or flammable limits. This physical property

refers to a mixture of the flammable vapors and air. It is the oxygen in the air that helps "burn"

substances. With no oxygen or the improper mixture of oxygen with the flammable vapors, the

vapors will not ignite or burn. This is true even if a suitable ignition source has been found. We

must have a proper ratio of an air/fuel mixture. The definition of explosive range is:

A mixture of flammable vapors and air, expressed as a percent, above or below which

no ignition can occur.

For example, gasoline vapors have been found to have an explosive range of 1.4% to 7.6%. This is

a range of mixtures from 1.4% gasoline vapors and 98.6% air to 7.6% gasoline vapors and 92.4%

air. Gasoline vapors will ignite or explode only when mixed with air in this proportion. The lower

limit, 1.4%, is the least amount of vapor possible for gasoline. Any percent mixture less than the

lower limit will not ignite. This is referred to as being "too lean." On the other hand, if the percent

mixture is above the vapor limit, it is referred to as being "too rich." It will not ignite either. Only

the mixtures between the lower limit and upper limit will ignite. All vapors of flammable and

combustible materials have an explosive range.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF SOME LIQUIDS

Physical Characteristics of Some Liquids

Flash

Point* Fire

Point* Ignition

Temperature* Explosive

Range Vapor

Density Specific

Gravity

Gasoline -45 -43 850 1.4% - 7.6% 3.00 .75

Acetone 0 2 1000 2.6% - 12.8% 2.00 .79

Kerosene 100 102 400 0.7% - 5.0% 2.80 .98

Ethanol 55 57 800 4.3% - 19.0% 1.59 .79

* Expressed in degrees F.


Fire Classifications

For many years the fire community acknowledged only three fire classifications. In 1960 the

classifications were reorganized to show four fire classifications:

CLASS A FIRES - ordinary combustibles

CLASS B FIRES - flammable liquids, gases

CLASS C FIRES - electrical

CLASS D FIRES - combustible metals

Class A Fires

These fires include ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, fabric, solid plastics, and rubber.

Class A fires normally involve fuels of an organic nature. These fires are the most common.

Extinguishing agents for Class A type fires include water, some foam types, and dry chemical.

Class B Fires

These fires include all flammable and combustible liquids, greases, oils, and gases. One way to

recognize a Class B fuel is by the container. No Class B fuel retains its own shape. Because they

are liquids and gases, they must be in a strong rigid container. Extinguishing agents for Class B

type fires include carbon dioxide, dry chemical, foam, and Halon types.

Class C Fires

A Class C fire is one that involves energized electrical equipment. Very special importance must be

given to the electrical nonconductivity of the extinguishing agent. Only when the electrical circuits

have been de-energized may Class A and Class B extinguishing agents be used. Extinguishing

agents suitable for Class C fires include dry chemical, carbon dioxide, and Halon types.

Class D Fires

When metals burn, they pose some very unique hazards. They burn extremely hot. They may

actually react to ordinary extinguishing agents. Class D fires are fires involving such metals as

sodium, magnesium, titanium, aluminum, and uranium. The hazards of a metal fire are so unique

that ordinary extinguishing agents should generally not be used. Instead, extinguishing agents for a

Class D fire are those that have been specifically designed and approved for that type of application.


1. Which of the following liquids has the highest explosive range?

A. Gasoline

B. Ethanol

C. Acetone

D. Kerosene

2. Which of the following liquids has the lowest vapor density?

A. Gasoline

B. Acetone

C. Kerosene

D. Ethanol

3. Which of the following liquids has the highest specific gravity?

A. Gasoline

B. Acetone

C. Kerosene

D. Ethanol

4. Which of the following descriptions is correct?

A. Class A Fires—Electrical

B. Class B Fires—Flammable liquids, gases

C. Class C Fires—Combustible metals

D. Class D Fires—Ordinary combustibles

5. Fires which involve such metals as sodium, magnesium, titanium, aluminum, and uranium

are classified as ___ fires.

A. Class A

B. Class B

C. Class C

D. Class D


Math Section

For this section of the test, you will answer twelve (12) fire-related math questions. These math

questions require basic mathematic calculations and you will not need a calculator. Calculators are

not allowed for this test. YOU ARE FREE TO WRITE IN THIS TEST BOOKLET TO MAKE

YOUR CALCULATIONS.

Proceed to the next section after you are finished.


Use Figure 1 to respond to questions 6-7

6. Based upon Figure 1, which combination causes below accounted for the MOST residential

fires in 2019?

A. Smoking/Cigarettes and Burning Candles

B. Faulty Electrical and Suspicious Activity

C. A combined total of every type of fire cause with the exception of

Smoking/Cigarettes and Faulty Electrical

D. A and B each resulted in the same amount of injuries

7. Based upon Figure 1, which of the following statements is NOT true?

A. There were four times as many residential fires resulting from Smoking/Cigarettes as

there were residential fires resulting from Burning Candles.

B. There were 1 ½ times as many residential fires resulting from Suspicious Activity as

there were residential fires resulting from Burning Candles.

C. More residential fires resulted from a combination of Suspicious Activity and

Cooking/Kitchen than from Faulty Electrical.

D. There were twice as many residential fires resulting from Smoking/Cigarettes as there

were residential fires resulting from Cooking/Kitchen.

8. You are using a full SCBA bottle containing 140 cubic feet of air. Your supervisor has

informed you that a bell will sound when the tank is ¼ full. When you hear the bell sound,

you can assume that your tank has _____ cubic feet of air remaining.

A. 25.0

B. 28.5

C. 35.0

D. 45.5


9. A group of four firefighters purchase groceries at the store. The cost for the items is as

follows: $9.65, $3.25, $11.60, $5.85, and $7.50. In order for the bill to be equally split,

approximately how much does each firefighter owe (not including tax, rounded up to the

nearest whole dollar)?

A. $8

B. $9

C. $10

D. $11

10. You are in an elevator with a weight capacity of 1,650 pounds. There are five other people

in the elevator with you. One person weighs 184 pounds, one person weighs 192, one

person weighs 116, and the other two each weigh 156 pounds. Assuming that you weigh

173 pounds, how much additional weight could the elevator hold before exceeding capacity?

A. 423 pounds

B. 517 pounds

C. 673 pounds

D. 829 pounds

11. If a fire engine is traveling 45 mph for 18 minutes, how far will it travel? (Distance = Rate x

Time)

A. 8.10 miles

B. 13.50 miles

C. 19.33 miles

D. 27.00 miles

12. What is the minimum number of rope sections a firefighter would need to rope off a danger

zone that is 28 feet long by 40 feet wide assuming that each rope section comes in 50-foot

sections?

A. 2 sections

B. 3 sections

C. 4 sections

D. 5 sections

13. In 2017, there were about 13,500 deadly automobile accidents. About 4,018 were a result of

drunk driving accidents. Approximately what percent of the deadly automobile accidents

were a result of drunk driving accidents?

A. 20%

B. 25%

C. 30%

D. 35%


14. An adult victim has one-third (1/3) of his back burned, half (1/2) of his right leg burned, and

half (1/2) of his head burned. Using the burn chart below, determine what percent (total) of

the victim is burned.

Entire Back: 15%

Entire Front: 15%

Entire Head: 5%

Each Arm: 12.5%

Each Leg: 15%

Feet and Hands: 10%

What percent of the victim is burned?

A. 10.50%

B. 11.25%

C. 13.00%

D. 15.00%

15. A patient has been instructed by a doctor that the maximum dosage of medication is 3 ½

tablets for every 50 pounds of weight. If the patient weighs 200 pounds, what is the

maximum number of tablets he/she should take per dose?

A. 12 tablets

B. 12 and ½ tablets

C. 14 tablets

D. 15 and ½ tablets

16. Which one of the following hose diameters is the largest?

A. 17/20 inches

B. ¾ inches

C. 3/5 inches

D. 8/10 inches

17. A fire station receives a structure fire alarm call on July 18th at 2:22 A.M. An automobile

accident alarm call comes in on July 18th at 4:50 A.M. and another structure fire alarm call

on July 19th at 3:27 P.M. How much time has elapsed from the first structure fire alarm call

and the second structure fire alarm call?

A. 12 hours and 49 minutes

B. 13 hours and 5 minutes

C. 24 hours and 55 minutes

D. 37 hours and 5 minutes


Writing Ability

Section

For this section of the test, you will answer four (4) items that are similar to those items found on

the FACT™. Pay attention to any instructions preceding the test questions.



For Question 18, select the best choice of words to complete the sentence.

18. Be _____ of your surroundings and try to _____ dangerous situations.

A. “conscious” and “migrate”

B. “cognizant” and “mitigate”

C. “cognitive” and “monitor”

D. “conscientious” and “modify”

19. Considering grammar, spelling, and punctuation as well as ease of understanding, which of

the following sentences is most acceptable?

A. The firefighter needed to keep a copy of the report for herself, and provide a copy to the

other two victims, too.

B. The firefighter needed to keep a copy of the report for herself and provide a copy to the

other too victims to.

C. The firefighter needed to keep a copy of the report for herself and provide a copy to the

other two victims to.

D. The firefighter needed too keep a copy of the report for herself, and provide a copy to

the too other victims, too.

20. Identify the type of error that is found in the following sentence:

Sometimes the difference between being a good firefighter and an average

firefighter comes down to weather or not the firefighter is properly trained.

A. Spelling

B. Grammar

C. Punctuation

D. There is no error

For item 21, choose the word that is synonymous (means the same thing) as the underlined

word in the sentence.

21. The fire chief had a dynamic way of teaching his firefighters new skills.

A. traditional

B. boring

C. lively

D. thorough


Map Reading

Section

For this section of the test, you will answer three (3) job-related map reading ability questions.



DIRECTIONS: Use the following map to answer questions 22-24.

22. You are facing South on 2nd Street and turn East on Mustang Ave. The next one way street

you will reach is _____.

A. 1st Street

B. 3rd Street

C. 4th Street

D. Bronco Way

23. Which direction does Corner 1 face?

A. Southeast

B. Southwest

C. Northeast

D. Northwest

24. Which intersection is Corner 4 located at?

A. Bronco Way and 2nd Street

B. Bronco Way and 4th Street

C. Mustang Ave. and 2nd Street

D. Mustang Ave. and 4th Street

Gym

E

Movie

Theater

E

Bank

Library

Gas

Sh

oe S

tore

E

Restaurant

Ha

ir Salo

n

E

Bank

Bronco Way

Mustang Ave.

1st S

tree

t

2n

d S

tree

t

3rd

Str

eet

4

th S

tree

t


Human Relations

Section

For this section of the test, you will read one short fire-related situation and will then answer two

multiple-choice questions relating to that situation. You will be asked to identify both the “most

appropriate” response and the “least appropriate” response. There are 16 total questions in this

section.

For example:

You are transporting an injured and intoxicated male who has a large amount of money

protruding from his pockets. While transporting him to the emergency room you notice that the

money falls out of his pocket.

A. Pretend you didn’t see the man drop the money.

B. Wait until you go back outside and take the money if nobody else has found it.

C. Pick up the money and give it to the emergency room staff for safekeeping.

D. Pick up the money and place it next to the victim’s hand.

1. WHAT IS THE MOST APPROPRIATE RESPONSE?

2. WHAT IS THE LEAST APPROPRIATE RESPONSE?


John is a firefighter at a station having dinner with his crew. He overhears a more senior

firefighter saying very negative things about the department’s newly hired Fire Chief. John

knows the senior firefighter hasn’t even met the new Fire Chief yet and is basing his statements

on rumors he’s heard from his neighbors. John has known the Fire Chief for several years and

knows these rumors aren’t true. What is the best way for Firefighter John to handle this

situation?

A. John should share whatever accurate information he has about the Fire Chief with the

crew members at the dinner table.

B. John should talk to the senior firefighter privately about the rumors and tell him that

they could be damaging to the Fire Chief.

C. John should tell the other crew members that the rumors aren’t true when the senior

firefighter isn’t around.

D. John should tell the Fire Chief about the rumors the senior firefighter was spreading.



You are on duty with your crew and your engine pulls into a fast food restaurant parking lot to

quickly buy lunch. While you walk up to the front door of the restaurant, you are approached by

a citizen who complains that there are two young children left in a vehicle without a parent or

guardian in sight. You approach the vehicle and see that the children appear to be between 10

and 13 years of age and appear to be fine. It’s a cloudy day, and the outside temperature is 65

degrees. How would you handle this situation?

A. Enter the restaurant and have the workers announce that there are children in a

vehicle who need assistance.

B. Remind the citizen that you and your crew need to quickly purchase your food and

get back into service and that you cannot assist.

C. Have your crew members pick up your food and stay close to the vehicle until a

parent or guardian returns.

D. Remove the children from the vehicle and immediately assess their health.




You are off-duty helping a fellow firefighter work on a side job. He works as a part-time

construction worker to bring in extra money for his family. You’re on the job site with another 10

workers and you accidentally drop your hammer on the tile floor while walking through the

newly remodeled bathroom. You discover that your hammer cracked the tile. You look around

and discover that nobody else saw the accident. How would you handle this situation?

A. Try to repair the broken tile, even though you don’t have experience in this area.

B. Find your friend and inform him about what happened and offer to pay for the

damage.

C. Tell your friend that you noticed that the tile was cracked when you walked in the

bathroom.

D. Wait until the remodeling project is finished to say anything as it’s likely that there

will be more damage in the coming days.



Firefighter Sam has worked as a firefighter for two years. She feels very confident about her

duties as a firefighter in all aspects with the exception of medical assessments. She’s worried that

her lack of knowledge in this area may one day put the crew in a dangerous situation. She’s

mentioned to her fellow firefighters that she’d like additional training but has been told that

there’s not enough time to train in this area and it’s best to just acquire this knowledge through

on-the-job real life experience with patients. How should Firefighter Sam handle this situation?

A. Firefighter Sam shouldn’t worry about her lack of knowledge in medical assessments

and just carry on with her assigned duties.

B. Firefighter Sam should keep her concerns to herself, so her crew feels confident in

her skills, but read and study medical assessment literature in her spare time.

C. Firefighter Sam should inform her captain that she needs additional training in this

area and ask if she can train with other crew members who are more knowledgeable

in hopes of maximizing her learning potential.

D. Firefighter Sam should tell the other crew members that she might have to leave any

medical assessment responsibilities to them as she doesn’t feel comfortable with her

limited skills.




You are a new firefighter and are determined to demonstrate to your crew that you are capable of

performing your duties. You and your crew arrive at a structure fire incident on a very hot,

summer day. You exit the engine and begin to perform your fire suppression duties. About ten

minutes into the fire extinguishment, you realize that you are starting to feel dizzy and worry that

you might pass out. How would you handle this situation?

A. Do your best to push through the illness because you have a very important job to do

but mention how you feel to another firefighter.

B. Quickly return to the engine to get a bottle of water and rehydrate and return to the

assignment before anyone notices.

C. Inform your captain that you feel like you might pass out and may need to exit the

fireground.

D. Try to limit the amount of physically-demanding activities you do but stay on the

fireground with your crew.



You and your crew return to the station following a fire incident. While removing your gear from

the engine, you see Firefighter Mike take an expensive saw from the bay and place it in his

personal truck. One week later, your captain reports the saw as missing and inquires if anyone

knows where it might be. How would you handle this situation?

A. Inform the captain that you saw Firefighter Mike place the saw in his personal truck

last week.

B. Tell the captain you don’t know anything about the missing saw.

C. Inform the captain that you will help keep an eye out for the saw and do your best to

help locate it.

D. Tell Firefighter Mike that you saw him place the saw in his personal truck last week

and encourage him to tell the captain that he has the saw, or else you will have no

choice but to report the incident to your captain.




You are a probationary firefighter and have been assigned to your new station for three weeks.

While sitting at the dinner table with your crew one evening, two senior firefighters engage in a

slanderous conversation about another firefighter assigned to your station who works on a

different shift. The comments are inappropriate and sexist. One of the senior firefighters looks at

you and states, “Hey rookie, you better keep your mouth shut and not repeat any of this to

anyone outside of this room!” How would you handle this situation?

A. Remain calm and quiet and don’t say anything to anyone, unless this happens again.

B. Participate in the conversation in hopes of fitting in with the other senior firefighters.

C. Inform your supervisor, in confidence, about the incident and await her guidance.

D. Inform the firefighter assigned to the other shift about what was said about her and

encourage her to speak with the senior firefighters.



It’s a Sunday afternoon in the station and you and your crew have no assigned duties for the day

other than to respond to emergency calls. You are about to begin your daily exercise routine and

start running on the treadmill. Your crew has been told by the chief how important it is to

complete the daily workouts. You’re about five minutes into your workout and a probationary

firefighter walks into the exercise room with tears in his eyes. He confides in you that he just

learned that his mother is terminally ill. How would you handle this situation?

A. Tell the probationary firefighter not to worry too much and that you’ll keep his

mother in your prayers and continue on with your workout.

B. Remind the probationary firefighter that you need to complete your daily workout

but that you’ll be happy to listen to him while you exercise.

C. Remind the probationary firefighter that you have a mandatory workout to complete

and suggest he talk to another firefighter about his situation.

D. Stop your workout and talk to the probationary firefighter and immediately return to

your workout once you are confident the probationary firefighter feels better.




Answer Key

1. B

2. D

3. C

4. B

5. D

6. B

7. C

8. C

9. C

10. C

11. B

12. B

13. C

14. D

15. C

16. A

17. D

18. B

19. A

20. A

21. C

22. B

23. C

24. D

25. B

26. D

27. C

28. B

29. B

30. C

31. C

32. A

33. C

34. B

35. D

36. B

37. C

38. B

39. D

40. C

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